Zidane Takes Helm of France National Team, Calls it 'A Dream'

Zinedine Zidane has officially stepped into his long-anticipated role as the head coach of the French national football team, marking a new era for Les Bleus. The French Football Federation formally introduced the legendary midfielder as the successor to Didier Deschamps, a move widely expected for some time.

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This is a dream. I rejected all offers because of the French national team. This is the only thing I wanted to do after Real Madrid – to coach the French national team.

At his first press conference in the new capacity, Zidane conveyed the profound significance of the position. "This is a dream," he stated, revealing that he had turned down numerous offers over the past four to five years. "I rejected all offers because of the French national team. This is the only thing I wanted to do after Real Madrid – to coach the French national team."

Zidane, who led Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles, returns to the national squad he captained to a World Cup victory in 1998. He acknowledged the high expectations but expressed faith in the current squad's quality. "I cannot explain in just a few words how we will win. I have an extraordinary team that will be ready," he assured.

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I cannot explain in just a few words how we will win. I have an extraordinary team that will be ready.

His immediate priority, Zidane explained, is to connect with the players and instill his coaching philosophy. While he has followed the team's progress as a fan, he now faces the challenge from a different perspective. "I have always followed France as a fan, but also as a future coach. I need to integrate, get to know the players and explain my football idea. After that, my responsibility will be to keep this team winning," he said.

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I have always followed France as a fan, but also as a future coach. I need to integrate, get to know the players and explain my football idea. After that, my responsibility will be to keep this team winning.

When asked about Kylian Mbappé, France's star player, Zidane confirmed he had not yet spoken with him but anticipated an opportunity. He also mentioned that his coaching staff would largely comprise individuals he worked with at Real Madrid, supplemented by a few new faces. Zidane now faces the significant task of building upon the team's recent successes under Deschamps, including a World Cup win, a final appearance, and a fourth-place finish.

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Have I already spoken with Mbappé? No, but we will have the opportunity to do so.